Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

This week, we continue exploring the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, developed by CAST, which helps us design learning environments that give every student the opportunity to succeed. The CAST UDL Guidelines can be applied in any discipline or setting to ensure that all learners are able to access and participate in meaningful, challenging… Continue reading…

Teaching Tips: Fostering Expert Learners through UDL 

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, developed by CAST, encourages instructors to create flexible learning environments that meet the needs of all students. UDL aims to help students become expert learners: individuals who are purposeful, motivated, resourceful, and strategic. Below are three ways to promote expert learning in any discipline.  UDL reminds us… Continue reading…

Building Community in Class

Teaching tips for the beginning of the semster: Intentional work to connect with your students is a time and effort investment, but one that will create a better learning space for both you and your students. Elliott, D., Gamino, M., & Jenkins, J. J. (2016). Creating community in the college classroom:… Continue reading…

CREATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Have you been using papers, tests, and discussion forums for assessment and you’re seeking new ideas?  Are you looking for new ways to engage your students with content, but not sure where to start? Our students may have the answer! This week the UTLC spoke with students about meaningful assignments,… Continue reading…

Student Voice and Midterm Feedback

Drawing from the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Plus 1 approach—making small, manageable changes to enhance learning—consider how you can incrementally integrate student voice into your courses to foster continuous improvement. One effective method is engaging students at the midterm. This not only gives you valuable insights but also signals to students that their experiences… Continue reading…

Women’s History Month (Spring 2024)

March is Women’s History Month! Try incorporating some of  these teaching tips to create a dynamic and universal learning environment that celebrates the rich history of women and  highlights the often-overlooked stories of women’s pivotal roles in shaping society. It also  fosters a more full educational narrative and encourages students to… Continue reading…

Teaching Tips | Teaching and Jewish Holidays (Fall 2024)

The Jewish High Holiday season begins with Rosh Hashanah followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah. These teaching tips provide resources to help you support students during these times and other Jewish holidays. Additional resources for further reading are also provided. Jewish Holidays Q & A. You may have questions about Jewish holidays and how they… Continue reading…

Teaching Tips | Implicit Bias (spring 2024)

Implicit bias is the unconscious bias that forms the assumptions that we make about students based on social identity; however, in education we can also form biases about our students based on past academic performance, perceived agreeableness, previous relationships, and even the stakes of the assignment or assessment (De Houwer,… Continue reading…

Teaching and Hindu Holidays

Several important Hindu holidays include Navaratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. Check out this multi-religious calendar from Yale to save the dates for holidays for the 2024/25 AY and this one from Virginia Tech for 25/26. You may have questions about Hindu holidays and how they are celebrated. The teaching tips and presentation below were… Continue reading…

Teaching Tips | Trauma Informed Teaching and Natural Disasters

Access a full text version and enlarged image of the Trauma-Informed Teaching Principles graphic. Natural disasters affecting our state and beyond have deeply impacted our UNCG community. As instructors, it’s important to recognize how these challenges impact students’ ability to learn and engage. When we are worried about the basic needs… Continue reading…